Why do refs throw flags at players?

The penalty flag (or just “flag”) is a yellow cloth used in several field sports including American football and lacrosse by game officials to identify and sometimes mark the location of penalties or infractions that occur during regular play.

What do NFL referees throw on the ground?

The object that you see being thrown by NFL officials is a blue bean bag. All officials carry a bean bag to mark the spot of a fumble or the spot where possession was gained on a punt. There are penalties that are enforced from the spot of the fumble or the spot where possession was gained on punts.

What is a white flag in football?

If he throws such a white flag, and it turns out not to be a scoring play, he would basically be telling the coach, “Hey, you might want to throw a red flag to challenge if the result of the play isn’t to your liking.” And I don’t think refs should be helping indicate to a coach whether or not they might want to …

Why do NFL referees throw blue flags?

To mark the spot of the fumble, if any penalties are committed by either side AFTER the fumble, this can be the spot from where any yardage penalties would be administered.

What does a blue flag in football mean?

The ‘blue flags’ are bean bags used for change of possession. It is the purpose of the football changing from one side to illustrate for the referees the correct call, such as a fumble or interception, and to proceed with the developing play.

Why do NFL refs throw blue flags?

How much do NFL flags weigh?

Owned by Amy Barnett from 50 Star Productions, an event production company, the 150 feet by 300 feet long flag kicked off the game for the NFL teams; the flag weighs as much as 1,100 pounds.

Can referees be friends with players?

“Because officials are under a microscope from the time they step onto the court until the final buzzer, it is best if they refrain from touching fellow officials, players, coaches and those working around the game due to the sensitivity many have toward touching,” says Debbie Williamson, NCAA women’s basketball …

Why do NFL refs throw their hats?

The simplest reason for a ref to throw her hat is because she’s already thrown her flag! That’s right. Instead of carrying a backup flag, if a ref sees a second penalty to call after throwing his flag for the first one, his only recourse is to throw his hat.

What does it mean when someone tosses Your Hat in football?

Most of the time, the hat being tossed means a player has stepped out of bounds. Usually it is on a punt or if an eligible receiver does it during a play. This means that the person who ran out of bounds should not touch the ball before anyone else.

What does it mean when a referee throws a flag?

As you mentioned, the most common thing for a ref to throw is a yellow flag. This symbolizes a foul that he has seen and intends to call. At times, you may also see refs throw a small, blue bean bag onto the field.

Why do refs throw flags after out-of-bounds?

So, in order to help remember that the player has gone out-of-bounds, the ref watching him throws his hat to the ground and later, if the catch is made, throws his flag. The one exception to this rule is if the offensive player has been pushed out-of-bounds by a defender.